GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/12 January) — In a bid to enhance their promotion and marketing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 12 has opened a new display center for various local products in a shopping mall here.
Richard Arceño, DTI Region 12 information officer, said Monday the expanded pasalubong center at the SM mall is now fully operational, catering to products from 113 micro, small and medium enterprises in the region.
He said the facility serves as the main display area for unique handicrafts and food products made out of raw materials that are available in Region 12.
Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
Arceño said they pushed for the opening of the new pasalubong center, which is located at the second level of the SM mall, to better promote the region’s products that now carry the “Treasures of Region 12” brand.
“The pasalabong center is a component of our product development and marketing strategy for the Treasures of Region 12 brand,” he said in a statement.
Arceño said the center showcases a variety of products like processed fruit jams and jellies, sinamak vinegar, pinasugbo, banana and taro chips, processed tuna, native coffee, cacao tablea, and fruit juices like mangosteen, passion fruit, kalamansi and guyabano concentrate.
Also displayed are unique handicrafts made of bamboo, beads and brass as well as fashion accessories and other collectible items, he said.
“Through the facility, our MSMEs now have the chance to offer their products in an accessible and convenient location,” he said.
Arceño said another attraction at the pasalubong center is the “corporate giveaways showcase” developed by the agency.
He said the showcase is mainly an exhibit of different product packages that may be offered as gifts or tokens for various occasions.
The packages are composed of around 20 assorted items like coffee, processed fruits, chips and dips, and handicrafts and with each package sold from P500 to P1,500.
Among the center’s top patrons are local shoppers, tourists and vacationers who are looking for items to bring home as pasalubong and souvenirs.
Arceño said they are currently coordinating with other MSMEs in the region to further expand the range of products displayed at the center.
He said MSMEs could get in touch with their field offices to avail of the chance to display their products at the facility. (MindaNews)